: Wondering why a hockey astroturf ground constructed here at a huge cost of Rs six crore to train players, was remaining idle for 18 months, a sports psychologist today moved Madras High Court,seeking a direction to open up the ground as otherwise it would go waste.
Justices R Sudhakar and V M Velumani directed the District Sport officer to appear before the court tomorrow and explain why the ground was remaining idle.
Dr S Sivagnana Sittambaram submitted that the ground had been completed in April 2014. The life of astroturf was between seven to 10 years, depending on the location. But even 18 months after it was installed, it has been remaining idle, despite the fact that the objective was to train players in it as international meets are held only in Astroturf.
The facility would encourage more players in and around Madurai to join the training programme. Delay in opening it would take away opportunities of players and also damage the astroturf, he said.
The M G R stadium has facilities to train 35 hockey players. Already they were staying in SDAT sports hostel.They wished to get trained in Astroturf as it grabs the ball better than the gravel ground.
Though several representations had been made, officials without assinging any reason, were refusing to open up the facility. With Sport also emerging as a profession,government should open up all facilities available to promote sports, the petitioner said and sought a direction from the court to the officials concerned to open up the ground.
